Asking your boss to promise no more babies will be near your desk is understandable, but it’s not a simple request, says Dr Kirstin Ferguson.
” This week: a painful reminder of infertility at work, travelling with male colleagues and an award switch-up.I have a history of failed IVF and multiple miscarriages, and am unable to have children. My workplace is aware of this. Last week, someone brought their baby into the office, which is fine, but they stayed by my desk for half an hour with the whole office gushing over the baby. I had a panic attack because I felt I couldn’t escape and was overwhelmed with grief.
Yes, you are entitled to feel safe, of course. The question you have asked prompts me to consider whether it is reasonable to expect your employer to guard you against exposure to babies in your workplace? I am afraid I agree with your manager; I understand why they said they can’t guarantee this won’t happen again. Not everyone will know what you have experienced or how you feel and as time goes on, sadly even fewer people will remember your situation. I know that will be difficult to hear.
I work in sales for a large manufacturing company. My contract states I must attend trade shows, which I enjoy. However, I’m not comfortable travelling long distances by car or plane with male coworkers. I would prefer to be accompanied by another female. How do I raise this? Can they fire me if I say I won’t go as the only female?You haven’t indicated this in your letter, but I can’t help but wonder if there is a specific reason behind your fear of your male colleagues.
If you work with a number of women and you feel the same way, perhaps you can go together to see whether trade show pairings can be two women, instead of always being one woman and one man. However, without offering any reasons for the change, I think this is always going to be a tricky conversation. I hope you can find a way to navigate this situation and can stay in the role you otherwise enjoy.I work in an environment with an enterprise agreement covering our work conditions.
No, you can’t be forced to sign a new contract, but before assuming something sketchy is going on, I would find out what it might mean for you. Renegotiating your contract may also mean other things can be up for negotiation such as notice periods, annual leave and salary. Use this as an opportunity to review what you are being offered. You might find you can gain some benefits you might not otherwise have been entitled to under an award.
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